Garden Directories

Societies & Associations

The British Cactus & Succulent Society promotes the study, conservation, propagation and cultivation of cacti. Discover the beauty of cacti and other succulents with the BCSS! Whether you are an expert grower or a novice – or are just thinking of starting up the hobby – the Society will guide you all the way. With over 80 branches throughout the UK meeting monthly you will have the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and to learn more about growing these amazing plants.

The British Clematis Society (BCS) exists to promote the cultivation and preservation of clematis. In particular, we aim to encourage all gardeners to grow and enjoy clematis – with the emphasis being on enjoy! Find out where you can see clematis or perhaps use the society to help you get the most from your garden plants.

The British National Carnation Society promoting the cultivation of all groups of Dianthus including Pinks, Border Carnations and Perpetually Flowering Carnations. The society aims are to encourage endeavours to expand and improve the cultivation of these beautiful flowers and to promote their uses in Gardens.

Beginners and Experts receive encouragement and help in growing for the garden, exhibiting, raising new cultivars and submitting them for trial and awards.

The Society stages displays at a number of the major Flower Shows in Great Britain and it stages four shows of its own, where amateur growers compete for National honours on the show bench.

The British Pteridological Society was founded in the Lake District in 1891 and soon became the focal point for fern enthusiasts throughout the British Isles. Today it continues to provide a wide range of information about ferns, through its website and forum and by publishing regular journals, leaflets and books, and organising formal talks, informal discussions and outdoor meetings. The international membership includes those interested in gardening, natural history and botany, both amateur and professional. It is a friendly society run on a voluntary basis.

The Objects of the Society are to promote all aspects of pteridology by encouraging the appreciation, conservation, cultivation and scientific study of ferns, horsetails, clubmosses and quillworts through publications, meetings, the provision of grants and other appropriate means.

​If you have discovered the delights of growing streptocarpus, this site is the place for you. With the help of the British Streptocarpus Society, you can expand your collection and knowledge and join the many members who share your enthusiasm.

The Society was formed in September 1999 especially for Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) growers with small, medium or large collections. The current membership is just over 550. We welcome new members with a wide range of growing knowledge and experience. Members range from beginners with a few plants on their windowsills to expert growers with many years of experience. We are happy to help new members to increase their expertise and enjoyment of streptocarpus growing.

The Carrickfergus Garden Society was established in 1955 to encourage amateur gardeners to improve and extend the cultivation of all horticultural subjects. This is achieved by holding meetings, exhibitions, lectures and other events throughout the year.

The Institute of Horticulture was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering a close relationship between all sectors of professional horticulture throughout the UK and Ireland.

On 21st July 2014 we became Chartered and are now known as the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH). Not only is the granting of the Royal Charter excellent news for our members, but also for horticulture as a whole. This recognition has enhanced the status of horticulture as a profession which demands high level skills and continuing professional development. Chartered status has also strengthened the influence and therefore the voice of the CIH with government and policy makers.

Cornwall Garden Society is all about celebrating the unique beauty of Cornish gardens, exchanging tips, ideas and knowledge, meeting up for lectures and garden visits and, of course, making new friends.

Our origins go back to 1832 when the inaugural meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society of Cornwall was held, supported by the patronage of King William IV, who was graciously pleased to place the sum of £10. 10s. 0d (ten guineas), at the Society’s disposal. That royal support has continued and today we are very honoured to have HRH Prince Charles as our patron.

We have a packed programme of events throughout the year. In early spring we hold the Cornwall Spring Flower Show, held against the breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of Boconnoc Estate near Lostwithiel.

The Cottage Garden Society (CGS) is an informal and friendly society of about 3,000 members in many countries, though most are based in the UK. It brings together amateurs and professionals who share an enthusiasm for this type of gardening.

The Society was founded in 1982 when cottage garden plants were becoming ‘unfashionable’. Those starting the Society wanted to protect this vanishing planting style. They were concerned that, in the move to easily maintained gardens, hard landscaping was becoming more important than the plants.

Interest in the Society soon grew and from small beginnings with the founders based in North Wales and Cheshire, we now have over 35 regional groups spread throughout the United Kingdom. Most of these groups meet monthly for talks, garden visits, seed swaps and plant sales. You do need to be a member of the National Society to attend regional group meetings and be covered by our insurance.

Extending our knowledge of cyclamen and encouraging their cultivation and conservation. Membership of the Cyclamen Society is open to anyone. By joining the Cyclamen Society, you will contribute to increasing knowledge of the Genus Cyclamen: its distribution in the wild, its conservation and cultivation of the plants.

The Journal of the Cyclamen Society, published in June and December, contains articles about plants in the wild and in cultivation. It contains a mix of serious items and ‘chat’ about members’ experiences, with full colour illustrations, both photographs of Cyclamen in the wild and commissioned botanical paintings.